The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book as belonging to Roger the Poitevin.[4] The name derives from the Old EnglishCalf-tūn; literally, the town where calves were reared.[5] Ancient deeds and poll-tax returns indicate that the village had a public house and a chapel in 1379.[6] In 1851 there were 75 residents listed in the census, of whom no fewer than 33, in five households, were called Shackleton.
Calton is on the Pennine Cycleway (NCN Route 68), and the Pennine Way passes the between the west of the village and the River Aire.[7] This route is also part of the Airedale Way, between Leeds and Malham Tarn.[8]
Notable people
John Lambert, Parliamentarian general in the English Civil War.[9] Calton Hall, an old house with Medieval origins, was his family home. The house is now grade II listed.[10] After the restoration of the monarchy, Lambert was tried and exiled to Guernsey, and the family home and land around Calton were given to Lord Fauconberg. He then returned them to the family.[11]
^Ekwall, Eilert (1960). The concise Oxford dictionary of English place-names (4 ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 83. ISBN0-19-869103-3.
^Speight, Harry (1892). The Craven and north-west Yorkshire highlands. Being a complete account of the history, scenery, and antiquities of that romantic district. London: E Stock. p. 314. OCLC7219082.
^Cossar, Douglas (1996). The Airedale Way : a 50-mile walk from Leeds to Malham Tarn. Leeds: Ramblers' Association (West Riding Area). p. 65. ISBN0-900613-95-5.